High visibility termination system and method

ABSTRACT

A lighted cable termination assembly for use with one or more pipes is provided herein. The lighted cable termination assembly includes a base component having a body defined by an upper portion and a lower portion. The base component is configured to receive, through the lower portion of the body, an end portion of an electric heating cable. A lens has a proud surface and a pedestal is configured to couple the lens to the upper portion of the body such that the proud surface of the lens extends radially outside of a perimeter of the base component. A light emitting component optically is coupled with the lens such that the lens provides, through the proud surface, illumination from a plurality of viewing angles as viewed from an underside of the any of the one or more pipes on which the lighted cable termination assembly is installed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/811,346, filed Nov. 13, 2017, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/297,445,filed Jun. 5, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,816,680 issued on Nov. 14, 2017,the entire contents of both are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Piping systems are often used to transport a liquid and/or gas product,such as a petroleum product, over varying distances. Generally, a pipingsystem is used to transport the liquid product from an extraction pointto a processing facility. In some instances, both the extractionlocation and the processing facility are located in cold weatherenvironments. In such environments, a heating mechanism is often used inconjunction with the piping system to maintain the pipes at a certaintemperature to prevent the liquid product from freezing. Heatingmechanisms may also be utilized to ensure that the liquid product ismaintained at a temperature that allows for an efficient flow of theliquid product through the piping system.

Piping systems are generally heated using a heating cable. The heatingcable can be applied along the entire length of a piping system, or, insome instances, only along portions of the piping system as needed.Generally, the heating cables are electrically powered. However, in someinstances steam tracing may be used to heat pipes. In situations whenelectrical heating is used, operation of the heating cable is frequentlyverified to ensure that the pipe and/or product within the pipe are atan appropriate temperature and/or to prevent possible freezing of thepiping system. Additionally, failure of the heating cable can result inthe liquid product becoming more viscous. In some instances, theincrease in viscosity can lead to a pressure buildup in the pipingsystem. Due to the volatile nature of some liquid products transportedin piping systems, an uncorrected pressure buildup could result in arupture in the piping system, potentially causing environmental harm.

In some existing systems, proper operation of electric heating cablescan be verified in multiple ways. One system verifies operation viamonitoring of an electric signal, which is the flow of current through aheating cable. However, this form of monitoring may not always beaccurate due to the long distances involved and the potential for shortcircuit conditions in the heating cable. Additionally, electronicallymonitoring individual heating circuits may not be economically feasiblein situations in which many heating cable circuits are present, such asin a processing facility. Furthermore, significant preventativemaintenance may be required to ensure accurate monitoring of the heatingcables due to the potential complexity associated with electronicmonitoring.

Another method of verifying operation of heating cables is via visualinspections. Typically, an employee physically walks around areas havinga heating cable and inspects lighted towers, which are in communicationwith the heating cable. Often, the lighted towers are used toelectrically terminate the heating cable. Although the lighted towersare simple and cost efficient, often visual inspection is difficult dueto the location of the lighted tower. Visual inspection is particularlytroublesome when the lighted tower is located along a portion of apiping system elevated overhead. For example, a user may be required tomaneuver themselves into a dangerous position in order to verify theproper operation of the heating cable in situations in which a pipingsystem is elevated overhead.

Additionally, in certain environments, a piping system may include pipesthat have significant diameters and/or include large amounts ofinsulation. Pipe thickness and/or the presence of insulation can occludea user's ability to determine if the lighted tower is illuminated.Occlusion can be especially problematic when the lighted tower iselevated above a user, as only a portion of the lighted tower may bevisible due to the increased diameter of the pipe with or without theadditional insulation.

Thus, there is a need for a lighted tower for verifying the operationalstatus of a heating cable that is visible from a large number ofpositions. Specifically, there is a need for a lighted tower forverifying the operational status of a heating cable that can be seen bya user positioned from a plurality of positions including beneath thelighted tower, without the user being required to unnecessarilyreposition themselves to confirm the illumination of the lighted tower.By verifying the operational status of a heating cable, a user canverify that the pipe is being heated. Furthermore, verification of theoperational status allows for a user to determine that there ispotentially hazardous electrical power present on the heating cable.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments provide a lighted cable termination assembly for usewith one or more pipes. The lighted cable termination assembly includesa base component having a body defined by an upper portion and a lowerportion. The base component is configured to receive, through the lowerportion of the body, an end portion of an electric heating cable. A lenshas a proud surface and a pedestal is configured to couple the lens tothe upper portion of the body such that the proud surface of the lensextends radially outside of a perimeter of the base component. A lightemitting component optically is coupled with the lens such that the lensprovides, through the proud surface, illumination from a plurality ofviewing angles as viewed from an underside of the any of the one or morepipes on which the lighted cable termination assembly is installed.

Some embodiments provide a lighted cable termination assembly. A basecomponent has a body defined by an upper portion and a lower portion. Alens has a proud surface and a pedestal configured to couple to the basecomponent, positioning the lens so that the proud surface extendsradially outside of a first perimeter of the base component. A lightemitting component is optically coupled with the lens and powered by aheat trace cable. A stand couples to the base component and having asecond perimeter that is narrower than the first perimeter.

Still further embodiments provide a lighted cable termination assembly.A base component has a body defining an upper opening, a lower opening,and an internal area within the body, the lower opening configured tocouple with a stand. A lens has a proud surface and coupling to the basecomponent, wherein coupling the lens to the base component seals theinternal area of the base component, and decoupling the lens makes theinternal area accessible through the upper opening of the body. A lightemitting component is optically coupled with the lens.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation showing a typical installationof a lighted cable termination assembly;

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of a stand;

FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of a lighted termination device basecomponent having a lens assembly thereon;

FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of the lens assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top elevational view showing an embodiment of a diffuser foruse in a lens assembly;

FIG. 5A is a portion of the diffuser of FIG. 5 enlarged formagnification purposes;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a lighting circuit of a lighted cabletermination assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the physical lighting circuit of alighted cable termination assembly according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view showing an illumination viewing angleof a lighted cable termination assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view showing an obstructed viewing angle ofa lighted cable termination assembly installed on a 4 inch (10 cm) pipe;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view showing an obstructed viewing angleof a lighted cable termination assembly installed on a 6 inch (15.25 cm)pipe;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view showing an obstructed viewing angleof a lighted cable termination assembly installed on a 10 inch (25.4 cm)pipe;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a lighted cabletermination assembly disposed adjacent a previously known lighted cabletermination assembly installed on a 4-inch (25.4 cm) pipe;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the lighted cable termination assemblyand previously known lighted cable termination assembly of FIG. 12viewed at about a 6° angle with respect to a longitudinal axis;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the lighted cable termination assemblyand previously known lighted cable termination assembly of FIG. 12viewed at about a 30° angle with respect to a longitudinal axis; and

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the lighted cable termination assemblyand previously known lighted cable termination assembly of FIG. 12viewed at about a 54° angle with respect to a longitudinal axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variationsthereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirectmountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected”and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connectionsor couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modificationsto the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of theinvention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to belimited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Thefollowing detailed description is to be read with reference to thefigures, in which like elements in different figures have like referencenumerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize theexamples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall withinthe scope of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical application of a lighted cable terminationassembly 100 according to one embodiment. The lighted cable terminationassembly 100 is provided in the form of a lighted end cap device 102 incommunication with a stand 104. The lighted cable termination assembly100 is designed to provide illumination when a power source (not shown)is applied to a heat trace cable 106. A user 108 can verify operation ofthe heat trace cable 106 by visually monitoring the lighted cabletermination assembly 100, and verifying the lighted cable terminationassembly 100 is illuminated. The present technology is directed to alighted cable termination assembly 100 that is designed to provideillumination that is visible from a range of angles to allow for easierverification by the user 108.

In a typical application, the lighted cable termination assembly 100 isin communication with the heat trace cable 106, which is installed on orin a pipe 110. In some situations, the heat trace cable 106 is designedto heat the pipe 110. The heat trace cable 106 can be associated withthe pipe 110 in any number of configurations, including, for example,placement on an exterior surface and/or interior cavity of the pipe 110.A typical installation of the heat trace cable 106 on the exteriorsurface of the pipe 110 can be via attaching the heat trace cable 106 tothe exterior surface of the pipe 110, underneath any thermal insulation.In other instances, the heat trace cable 106 may be generally allowed tofloat freely within the cavity of the pipe 110. The lighted cabletermination assembly 100 may be directly joined to the heat trace cable106 and/or may be otherwise in communication with the heat trace cable106. In some embodiments, the lighted cable termination assembly 100 ispositioned along a heat trace cable 106, and in some instances ispositioned at an end of the heat trace cable 106. In one embodiment, thelighted cable termination assembly 100 is designed to be used withRAYCHEM brand BTV, QTVR, XTV, VPL, and KTV self-regulating or powerlimiting parallel type heating cables. The lighted cable terminationassembly 100 may be used with other types of cables for otherapplications including

Still referring to FIG. 1, the lighted cable termination assembly 100 iscoupled to one or more pipes 110. In some embodiments, the pipe 110 isprovided in the form of an elongate cylinder with a curved surface 112.The lighted cable termination assembly 100 may be imparted withcharacteristics designed to accommodate the curved surface 112 of thepipe 110 (e.g., curvature disposed in the stand 104 that corresponds tothe curvature of the pipe). In other embodiments, the pipe 110 may beprovided in other shapes and sizes.

The pipe 110 with the lighted cable termination assembly 100 may bepositioned in any convenient location. In one embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, the pipe 110 is elevated above ground level 114. In otherembodiments, the pipe 110 can be at least partially located underground(not shown). In other instances, portions of a pipe 110 (and/or aplurality of pipes 110) may be located at ground level 114, above groundlevel 114, below ground level 114, and/or combinations thereof.Additionally, one or more segments or portions of the pipe 110 can beoriented horizontally or vertically with respect to the ground level114. Alternatively, the pipe 110 can be oriented at any angle withrespect to the ground level 114.

The lighted cable termination assembly 100 is designed to be incommunication with the pipe 110. The lighted cable termination assembly100 may be positioned in any number of locations adjacent to and/or incommunication with the pipe 110. For example, the lighted cabletermination assembly 100 may be positioned on an upper surface 116 ofthe pipe 110, distal from the ground level 114. In other embodiments,the lighted cable termination assembly 100 may also be positioned on alower surface 118 of the pipe 110, distal from ground level 114. Thelighted cable termination assembly 100 may also be positioned at one ormore points along the pipe 110. In other embodiments, the pipe 100 maybe oriented in other manners and the lighted cable termination assembly100 may be positioned adjacent any surface of the pipe 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the stand 104 includes a housing 120 and a base 122.The stand 104 is provided to support the lighted end cap device 102 andto facilitate the connection of the heat cable 106 to the lighted endcap device 102. The housing 120 is elongate and includes a cylindricalsidewall 124 extending downwardly until terminating at the base 122. Aflange 126 circumscribes the housing 120 and is disposed at an oppositeend from the base 122. The flange 126 includes an extended tab 128 alongone portion of the flange 126. The extended tab 128 can accommodate alocking strap (not shown) that allows for the lighted end cap device 102to be locked to the stand 104. The housing 120 further defines anopening 130 designed to receive the lighted end cap device 102. Thehousing 120 may also include one or more threads (not labeled) disposedon an interior or exterior surface thereof that are designed to interactwith a corresponding threaded portion associated with the lighted endcap device 102.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the base 122 includes angled sidewalls 132that form a receiving surface 134 designed to interact with the pipe110. The base 122 also includes a plurality of substantially squareopenings 136 that can accommodate the heat trace cable 106 whileallowing the receiving surface 134 to interact directly with the pipe110. The base 122 also includes a plurality of elongated openings 138located on one or more of the angled sidewalls 132. The plurality ofelongated openings 138 are disposed substantially opposite each otheralong a common plane. In some embodiments, the plurality of elongatedopenings 138 can accommodate a mechanism (e.g., a strap, wire, and thelike) for coupling the stand 104 to the pipe 110. In other embodiments,the stand 104 can be connected to the pipe 110 using a known pipe strap.Alternatively, the stand 104 can be connected to the pipe 110 usingother coupling devices.

The stand 104 can also optionally contain a strain relief device (notshown) within the housing 120. The strain relief device can be used toassist in coupling the heat trace cable 106 to the lighted end capdevice 102. The stand 104 may also contain terminal blocks (not shown)within the housing 120 for allowing an electrical connection between theheat trace cable 106 and the lighted end cap device 102.

As discussed above, the stand 104 can be coupled at a first end to thelighted end cap device 102. In one embodiment, the lighted end capdevice 102 may be sold separate from the stand 104 and is designed to becoupled to an existing stand, such as a RAYCHEM brand E-100-L stand. Inother embodiments, the lighted end cap device 102 and stand 104 may besupplied as a kit, which can be assembled in the field at the time ofinstallation.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the lighted end cap device 102. Thelighted end cap device 102 is designed to be joined to and/or supportedby the stand 104. The lighted end cap device 102 provides an indicationthat the heat trace cable 106 coupled to the lighted end cap device 102is properly operating. More particularly, the lighted end cap device 102provides an indication that the heat trace cable 106 is operating via anillumination mechanism, described in more detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the lighted end cap device 102 includes abase component 150 designed to support a lens 152. The base component150 is provided in the form of a substantially cylindrical body 154defined by an upper portion 156 and a lower portion 158. The upperportion 156 of the cylindrical body 154 includes a substantiallycircular opening 160 designed to support the lens 152 and a lowercircular opening 162 designed to provide communication betweencomponents disposed within the stand 104 and components disposed withinthe lighted end cap device 102. The base component 150 can containcircuitry associated with providing illumination and can include bothillumination circuitry and power conditioning circuitry, discussed inmore detail below.

The upper portion 156 includes a sidewall 164 interrupted by one or moreelongated vertical ribbed members 166 protruding outwardly from anexterior surface of the sidewall 164. The sidewall 164 can include ashoulder 168 which circumscribes and extends outwardly adjacent a loweredge 170 of the sidewall 164. The vertical ribbed members 166 extendupwardly from the shoulder 168 along the sidewall 164 until terminatingat an upper edge 172. The vertical ribbed members 166 each include asubstantially rectilinear body 174 terminating at an angled end portion176. The vertical ribbed members 166 can be used to provide a grippingsurface for a user when separating or attaching the lighted end capdevice 102 and the stand 104. The vertical ribbed members 166 andshoulder 168 are designed to minimize the risk of a static chargedischarge by limiting the surface area that would be contacted by auser. The vertical ribbed members 166 and shoulder 168 can also supportthe weight of a test fixture used during manufacturing to keep theweight of the test fixture off the lens 152. In some embodiments, thevertical ribbed members 166 may be uniformly spaced around the sidewall164 and may contain twelve vertical ribbed members 166. Alternatively,the upper portion 156 of the base component 150 may contain more thantwelve vertical ribbed members 166 or less than twelve vertical ribbedmembers 166.

The lower portion 158 of the base component 150 further includes athreaded cylindrical section 178 with one or more threads 180 thatprotrude outwardly and circumscribe the exterior surface of the basecomponent 150. In some embodiments, the threads 180 are designed tointerface with the corresponding threaded section of the stand 104 tocouple the base component 150 to the stand 104. The lower portion 158can also include a flange 182 which circumscribes and extends outwardlyadjacent the threaded cylindrical section 178. The flange 182 caninclude a tab 184 that extends downwardly away from the upper portion156. The tab 184 may come into contact with the extended tab 128 of thestand 104 (see FIG. 2) to prevent the lighted end cap device 102 frombeing over tightened when being attached to the stand 104. The lowerportion 158 of the base component 150 can also include a taperedsidewall 186 which transitions between the threaded cylindrical section178 and lower edge 170 of the upper portion 156.

The base component 150 further includes the lower circular opening 162disposed opposite the lens 152 along a central longitudinal axis 188 foraccess to the internal components of the lighted end cap device 102.Additionally, the lower circular opening 162 can allow a user toelectrically couple the lighted end cap device 102 to the heat tracecable 106. Additionally, in one embodiment, a non-rigid potting compound(not shown) can be contained in the lower circular opening 162 to sealthe internal area of the base component 150 from the externalenvironment. In one embodiment, the non-rigid potting compound can be asilicone type-gel. The non-rigid potting compound can prevent theingress of an external contaminate into the base component 150 and canalso isolate electronic circuitry, which may be located internal to thebase component 150, away from the external atmosphere to prevent anyelectrical arcing from reaching the external atmosphere when the lightedend cap device 102 is used in an explosive environment. The non-rigidpotting compound can provide sufficient isolation of the electroniccircuitry from the external atmosphere to satisfy regulatoryrequirements for hazardous environment, such as, for example, CSA, FM,PTB, DNV, IECEx, and InMetro Zones 1 and 2. Alternatively, the lowercircular opening 162 can contain rigid type potting compounds to sealthe internal area of the base component 150 from the externalenvironment.

The stand 104 and/or base component 150 may be manufactured usingmaterials particularly suitable for the environment. In one embodiment,the stand 104 and/or base component 150 can be a polymer type material.Appropriate polymer materials could be, but are not limited to, ABS,PVC, and the like. In a further embodiment, the stand 104 and/or basecomponent 150 can be made using an injection molding process. Inalternate embodiments, the stand 104 and/or base component 150 can bemade using a casted metal. Appropriate metal materials could be, but arenot limited to, steel, aluminum, ceramic and the like. However, anysuitable material could be used for producing the stand 104 and/or basecomponent 150. The stand 104 and/or base component 150 material can besuitable for use in outdoor environments. For example, the stand 104and/or base component 150 material may also be capable of installationin environments with ambient temperature from about negative 40° C. toabout positive 40° C.

Now turning to FIGS. 4-5A, the lens 152 is designed to interact with theupper edge 172 of the base component 150. The lens 152 includes acylindrical pedestal 200 that extends upwardly and terminates at acurved sidewall 208. The cylindrical pedestal 200 defines an opening 202at a first end 204 and supports the curved sidewall 208 at a secondopposing end 206.

The cylindrical pedestal 200 of the lens 152 is defined by a sidewall218 interrupted by one or more substantially rectangular openings 220and further includes a threaded portion 222 that circumscribes thesidewall 218 and is disposed above the substantially rectangularopenings 220. The threaded portion 222 can be used to couple the lens152 to the base component 150. In one embodiment, the threaded portion222 can be molded into the cylindrical pedestal 200. Alternatively, thethreaded portion 222 can be machined into the cylindrical pedestal 200.A gasket 224 provided in the form of an elastomeric material can belocated above the threaded portion 222 to provide a seal between thebase component 150 and the lens 152. The gasket 224 can provideprotection from the ingress of external contaminates. Non-limitingexamples of external contaminates can include water, oil, dust, gas, orthe like. In some instances, the gasket 224 can provide a seal capableof meeting an IP66 rating, or a NEMA 4X rating. The gasket 224 may beprovided in any number of materials as known in the art.

Referring to FIG. 4, the curved sidewall 208 is disposed above thecylindrical pedestal 200 and gently slopes upwardly and inwardly untilterminating at a substantially flat upper surface 210. The curvedsidewall 208 includes a proud surface 212 protruding outwardly adjacenta lower edge 214 of the curved sidewall 208. The lens 152 furtherincludes one or more grooves 216 disposed in the surface of the curvedsidewall 208. The one or more grooves 216 can be molded into the lens152. In one embodiment, the one or more grooves 216 can act as adiffusion element to further diffuse the light from the lens 152. Theone or more grooves 216 can also be used as a contact point for anautomated assembly device for assembling the lens 152 to the basecomponent 150. The proud surface 212 of the lens 152 is provided toensure a person will be capable of viewing the lens (and illuminationtherefrom) from different angles as described in more detail below. Tothat end, the proud surface 212 of the lens 152 extends outwardly pastthe footprint of the base component 150.

The proud surface 212 of the lens 152 can have a maximum diameter largerthan the maximum diameter of the upper edge 172 of the sidewall 164 ofthe base component 150. In some embodiments, the proud surface 212 ofthe lens 152 can have a maximum diameter larger than the maximumdiameter of the cylindrical sidewall 124 of the stand 104. In oneembodiment, the maximum diameter of the proud surface 212 of the lens152 can be about 2% larger than the maximum diameter of the upper edge172 of the sidewall 164 as measured from the central longitudinal axis188 of the base component 150. In a further embodiment, the maximumdiameter of the proud surface 212 of the lens 152 can be about 1% toabout 4% larger than the maximum diameter of the upper edge 172 of thesidewall 164 of the base component 150 as measured from the centrallongitudinal axis 188 of the base component 150.

Continuing with FIG. 4, the proud surface 212 of the lens 152 can beseen in greater detail. In one embodiment, the proud surface 212 canextend outwardly approximately from the central longitudinal axis 188about 5% to about 20% further than the lower edge 214 of the lens 152.The diameter of the proud surface 212 can be about 6.2 cm.Alternatively, the proud surface 212 can have a maximum diameter ofabout 6.9 cm as measured about the central longitudinal axis 188 of thebase component 150. Additionally, the proud surface 212 can have aminimum diameter of about 6.2 cm. A transition distance 226 may beprovided between the proud surface 212 and the lower edge 228 and can beapproximately 0.5 cm. The transition distance 226 between the proudsurface 212 and the lower edge 214 can also be about 0.3 cm to about 0.5cm. The longitudinal distance between the lower edge 214 and thesubstantially flat upper portion 210 as measured along the centrallongitudinal axis 188 of the base component 150 can be about 2.4 cm. Thelongitudinal distance between the lower edge 214 and the substantiallyflat upper portion 210 as measured along the central longitudinal axis188 of the base component 150 can also be about 2.29 cm to about 2.44cm.

One or more portions of the lens 152 can be made of one or moretranslucent and/or transparent materials designed to allow for lighttransmission therethrough. In some embodiments, the material can be apolymer type material. The polymer material can be a material such asABS. In one specific embodiment, the lens 152 can be made of asubstantially clear polycarbonate material. Additionally, the lens 152can be made of a colored translucent and/or transparent material toprovide a specific illumination color. In one embodiment, the coloredtransparent material can be a red colored transparent material. In analternate embodiment, the colored transparent material can be a greencolored transparent material. However, the transparent material can beprovided in any color as applicable.

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 5A, a top elevational view and a magnified viewof the lens 152 are illustrated. The lens 152 includes a mechanismdesigned to enhance light emitted therefrom and to substantially equallydistribute light through the lens 152. The lens 152 may include adiffuser 300 molded into at least a portion thereof. In someembodiments, the diffuser 300 can be molded into the lens 152 such thatthe diffuser 300 covers 100% of the curved sidewall 208. In otherembodiments, the diffuser 300 may comprise less than 100% of the curvedsidewall 208 of the lens 152. The diffuser 300 may also be molded intoother portions of the lens 152, such as, for example, the upper surface210. In other embodiments, the diffuser 300 may be pressed into the lens152, or otherwise configured in a non-integral manner. In someembodiments, the diffuser 300 can be separately installed underneath, oradjacent to the lens 152.

Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 5A, the diffuser 300 can be provided inthe form of a prism 302 comprising a plurality of prismatic elements304. In one embodiment, the plurality of prismatic elements 304 can bein the form of a substantially tapered isosceles triangle. The prism 302can be formed with the plurality of prismatic elements 304 axiallyprojected along an inner face of the lens 152 to form an axial pattern306. In some instances, the prism 302 can be comprised of about sixtyprismatic elements 304. The prism 302 can also be comprised of more orless than sixty prismatic elements 304 as required to provide the properamount of diffusion. In other embodiments, the plurality of prismaticelements 304 can taper in width from an outer portion 308 of the prism302 to the inner portion 310 of the prism 302, as shown in FIG. 5A. Inone specific embodiment, the outer portion 308 of the plurality ofprismatic element can be about 0.236 cm in width and the inner portion310 of the prism 302 can be about 0.005 cm in diameter. The taper of theplurality of prismatic elements 304 from the inner portion 310 to theouter portion 308 can have a ratio of about 46 to about 1.

FIG. 6 shows a typical schematic of a lighting circuit 400 contained inthe lighted cable termination assembly 100. The lighting circuit 400 cancontain a plurality of light emitting components 402. In someembodiments, the plurality of light emitting components 402 are providedin the form of one or more Light Emitting Diode (“LED”) type devices.The plurality of light emitting components 402 can emit a specificcolor, for example, a red light. Alternatively, the plurality of lightemitting components 402 can emit a green light. In some embodiments, theplurality of light emitting components 402 can emit other colors oflight as required for a given application. The plurality of lightemitting components 402 can provide about 1 lumen to about 5 lumens ofillumination per light emitting component 402. Alternatively, the lightemitting components 402 can each provide more than 5 lumens ofillumination per light emitting component 402.

Additionally, the lighting circuit 400 can have a power input connectionpoint 404 for connecting external power to the lighting circuit 400. Inone embodiment, the power input connection point 404 can be comprised offlying leads attached to the lighting circuit 400. The power inputconnection point 404 can also comprise plurality of terminal blocks (notshown) allowing a user to attach power wires from the heat trace cable106. Input power can be provided from the heat trace cable 106, and/orfrom another source. The lighting circuit 400 can also contain anover-current protection device 406, which in some instances can be afuse. In other embodiments, the over-current protection device 406 canbe a circuit breaker.

The lighting circuit 400 can also contain an over-voltage protectiondevice 408, which in some embodiments, can be in the form of a MetalOxide Varistor (“MOV”). However, in other embodiments, otherover-voltage protection devices 408 could also be used. The lightingcircuit 400 can also contain a plurality of resistive elements 410, 412,414, 416 and a capacitive element 418. The plurality of resistiveelements 410, 412, 414, 416 and the capacitive element 418 can be usedto regulate the current presented to a rectification device 420, whichin some instances can be a bridge rectifier. The lighting circuit 400can also include a voltage regulation device 422, which in someinstances can be a zener diode. The voltage regulation device 422 mayprovide a constant DC voltage to the plurality of light emittingcomponents 402. The voltage regulation device 422 can provide a DCvoltage of about 3.0 VDC to about 5.0 VDC to the plurality of lightemitting components 402.

The lighting circuit 400 can also be compatible with an AC inputvoltage. In one embodiment, the lighting circuit 400 can be compatiblewith an AC input voltage from about 100 VAC to about 277 VAC. In anotherembodiment, the lighting circuit 400 can be compatible with an AC inputvoltage of about 480 VAC. The lighting circuit 400 can also becompatible with an AC voltage having a frequency of about 50 Hz to about60 Hz. In an additional embodiment, the lighting circuit 400 can have acurrent rating of about 50 amperes. In alternate embodiments, thelighting circuit 400 can have a current rating of more than 50 amperesor less than 50 amperes.

FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of a physical lighting circuit 450located in the lighted cable termination assembly 100. The physicallighting circuit 450 can contain a plurality of light emittingcomponents mounted to a di-electric material in the form of a printedcircuit board 452. The plurality of light emitting components can beprovided as five light emitting diodes 454, 456, 458, 460 and 462, whichare defined as a central light emitting diode 462 surrounded by fourexterior light emitting diodes 454, 456, 458, 460. The plurality oflight emitting diodes 454, 456, 458, 460 and 462 can be arranged innumerous, different orientations, depending on the specific application.For example, in one embodiment, the central light emitting diode 462 canbe positioned in a substantially central orientation of the printedcircuit board 452. The central light emitting diode 462 can be installedonto the printed circuit board 462 to project light substantiallyperpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board 452. In oneembodiment, the central light emitting diode 462 can have anillumination angle of about 30°. In an alternative embodiment, thecentral light emitting diode 462 can have an illumination angle of about120°. Typical light emitting diodes useful as the central light emittingdiode 462 can be of the model LR T64F-BBDB-1-1 or LT T64G-DAFA-29-Zavailable from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Inc.

Furthermore, the exterior light emitting diodes 454, 456, 458, 460 canbe positioned on the printed circuit board 452 substantially equidistantfrom the central light emitting diode 462. The exterior light emittingdiodes 454, 456, 458, 460 can additionally be positioned at 90° angleswith respect to each other, forming a cross-shaped configuration.Additionally, the exterior light emitting diodes 454, 456, 458, 460 canbe installed onto the printed circuit board 452 to project lightsubstantially parallel to the surface of the printed circuit board 452.In one embodiment, the exterior light emitting diodes 454, 456, 458, 460can have an illumination angle of about 120°. Typical light emittingdiodes useful as the exterior light emitting diodes can be type LSA67F-U1AA-1-Z or LT A6SG-V1AB-36-Z available from OSRAM OptoSemiconductors, Inc.

FIG. 8 presents a front isometric view of a representation of a typicalillumination dispersion of the lighted cable termination assembly 100.The lighted end cap device 102 of the lighted cable termination assemblyincludes the lens 152 with the proud surface 212 to provide for a wideviewing angle 500. Additionally, the diffuser 300 can also increase theviewing angle by diffusing the light transmitted therefrom. Theplurality of prismatic elements 304 contained within the diffuser canreflect and/or diffract the light from the lighting components 402 basedon the angle of entry and the ratio of the refractive indices across thetransition (e.g., air to polycarbonate). The light exiting the lightingcomponent 402 and passing through the plurality of prismatic elements304 can be diffracted, thereby creating a wider dispersal pattern thanis possible via the lighting component 402 without prismatic elements304. The dispersion of light from the lighted cable termination assembly100 can vary depending on the refractive indices of the lens 152material, the angle of light entry from the lighting components 402 andthe shape of the plurality of prismatic elements 304. Additionally, theproud surface 212 of the lens 152 can allow for a viewing angle 500 onlylimited by the lighted cable termination assembly 100 or otherobstruction creating an area of substantially small area ofnon-illumination 502.

FIGS. 9-11 represent various obstructed viewing angles that arepresented to a user assuming the lighted cable termination assembly 100includes the plurality of light emitting diodes 454, 456, 458, 460, 462in the configuration shown in FIG. 7 and assuming a user is standingdirectly under the lighted cable termination assembly 100. Theobstructed viewing angle correlates to how much of the non-obstructedviewing angle may be obstructed by a pipe and/or components of thelighted cable termination assembly 100. The non-obstructed viewing angleis understood to be value of the angle in which illumination from thelighted cable termination assembly 100 can be seen. Thus, in a perfectexample, where the illumination from the lighted cable terminationassembly is not obstructed, the non-obstructed viewing angle would be360° and the obstructed viewing angle would be 0°. In contrast totypical lighted cable termination assemblies, the obstructed viewingangles of the present disclosure are significantly smaller, representingless obstruction for the user. More particularly, the obstructed viewingangle on known lighted cable termination assemblies may be typicallymore than about 100° assuming installation on a 10 cm diameter pipe. Insome known systems, the obstructed viewing angle is greater than about105°, or about 110°.

FIG. 9 presents a side view of the lighted cable termination assembly100 installed on a 4-inch (10 cm) diameter pipe 550. In one embodiment,an obstructed viewing angle 552 can be determined by the diameter of the4-inch (10 cm) diameter pipe 550. In this instance, the obstructedviewing angle 552 is about 10.5° when the lighted cable terminationassembly 100 extends upwardly from the 4-inch (10 cm) diameter pipe 550,where the 4-inch (10 cm) diameter pipe 550 is orientated substantiallyparallel to the ground level 114 (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments, theobstructed viewing angle 552 is less than about 40°, or about 30°, orabout 20°, or about 15°. In a specific embodiment, the obstructedviewing angle 556 is less than about 11°.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the lighted cable termination assembly 100installed on a 6-inch (15.25 cm) diameter pipe 554. In one embodiment,the obstructed viewing angle 556 can be determined by the diameter ofthe 6-inch (15.25 cm) pipe 554. In this instance, the obstructed viewingangle 556 is about 20.7° when the lighted cable termination assembly 100extends upwardly from the 6-inch (15.25 cm) pipe 554, where the 6-inch(15.25 cm) diameter pipe 554 is orientated substantially parallel to theground level 114 (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the obstructedviewing angle 556 is less than about 60°, or about 50°, or about 40°, orabout 25°. In a specific embodiment, the obstructed viewing angle 556 isless than about 21°.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the lighted cable termination assembly 100installed on a 10-inch (25.4 cm) diameter pipe 558. In one embodiment,the obstructed viewing angle 560 can be determined by the diameter ofthe 10-inch (25.4 cm) diameter pipe 558. In this instance, theobstructed viewing angle 560 is about 36.6° when the lighted cabletermination assembly 100 extends upwardly from the 10 inch (25.4 cm)pipe 558, where the 10-inch (25.4 cm) diameter pipe 558 is orientatedsubstantially parallel to the ground level 114 (see FIG. 1). In someembodiments, the obstructed viewing angle 560 is less than about 80°, orabout 60°, or about 50°, or about 40°. In a specific embodiment, theobstructed viewing angle 556 is less than about 37°.

FIG. 12 depicts the lighted cable termination assembly 100 having thelens 152 with the proud surface 212 coupled to a pipe 600. A previouslyknown lighted cable termination assembly 602 is also coupled to the pipe600. In the present example, the pipe 600 can have about a 10 cmdiameter. The previously known lighted cable termination assembly 602includes a lens 604 that does not have a proud surface, but rathertapers in a substantially continuous manner. The previously knownlighted cable termination assembly 602 can be a typical embodiment of alighted cable termination assembly known in the art, such as the RAYCHEMbrand E-100-L-A lighted cable termination assembly. Both the lightedcable termination assembly 100 and the previously known lighted cabletermination assembly 602 are coupled to the pipe 600 opposite the groundlevel 114 and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 606. Thelongitudinal axis 606 can be perpendicular to the ground level 114 (seeFIG. 1).

FIG. 13 shows an elevational view from beneath the pipe 600 at a 6°angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 606 of the pipe 600. Whenviewed at a 6° angle from the longitudinal axis 606 of the pipe 600, theproud surface 212 of the lens 152 of the lighted cable terminationassembly 100 can be seen by a user 108 at ground level 114. In contrast,the lens 604 of the previously known lighted cable termination assembly602 cannot be seen by a user 108 at ground level 114 when viewed fromthe substantially same position.

FIG. 14 presents an isometric view from beneath the pipe 600 at about a30° angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 606 of the pipe 600.When viewed at a 30° angle from the longitudinal axis 606 of the pipe600, the proud surface 212 of the lens 152 can be seen by a user 108 atground level 114. In contrast, the lens 604 of the previously knownlighted cable termination assembly 602 cannot be seen by a user 108 atground level 114 when viewed at a 30° angle from the longitudinal axisof the pipe 600.

FIG. 15 presents an isometric view from beneath the pipe 600 at about a54° angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 606 of the pipe 600.When viewed at a 54° angle from the longitudinal axis 606 of the pipe600, both the lens 152 of the lighted cable termination assembly 100 andthe lens 604 of the previously known lighted cable termination assembly602 can be seen by a user 108 at ground level 114. However, as can beseen in FIG. 15, a substantially larger portion of the lens 152 of thelighted cable termination assembly 100 can be seen as compared to thelens 604 of the previously known lighted cable termination assembly 602.Thus, the above examples described in FIGS. 13-15 illustrate that thelens 152 of lighted cable termination assembly 100 provides for agreater viewing angle than the lens 604 of the previously known lightedcable termination assembly 602.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while theinvention has been described above in connection with particularembodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited,and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications anddepartures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to beencompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of eachpatent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as ifeach such patent or publication were individually incorporated byreference herein.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A lighted cable termination assembly foruse with one or more pipes, the lighted cable termination assemblycomprising: a base component having a body defined by an upper portionand a lower portion, the base component configured to receive, throughthe lower portion of the body, an end portion of an electric heatingcable, wherein an input power is provided from the electric heatingcable that is terminated within the base component; a lens having aproud surface and a pedestal configured to couple the lens to the upperportion of the body such that the proud surface of the lens extendsradially outside of a perimeter of the base component; and a lightemitting component optically coupled with the lens such that the lensprovides, through the proud surface, illumination from a plurality ofviewing angles as viewed from an underside of any of the one or morepipes on which the lighted cable termination assembly is installed. 2.The lighted cable termination assembly of claim 1, wherein the lightemitting component is configured as one or more Light Emitting Diode(“LED”) type devices.
 3. The lighted cable termination assembly of claim1, further comprising: a stand having a first end and a second end, thebase component coupling to the stand at the first end and being spacedaway from the one or more pipes by the stand; and a base coupled to thestand at the second end and configuring the lighted cable terminationassembly to be supported by the one or more pipes.
 4. The lighted cabletermination assembly of claim 3, wherein the stand and the basecomponent are matedly threaded to couple the base component to thestand.
 5. The lighted cable termination assembly of claim 1, wherein thelens is formed from a colored translucent material.
 6. The lighted cabletermination assembly of claim 1, wherein the base component containscircuitry associated with providing power to illuminate the lightemitting component.
 7. The lighted cable termination assembly of claim1, wherein the light emitting component is electrically coupled with alighting circuit containing an over-current protection device.
 8. Thelighted cable termination assembly of claim 1, wherein the lightemitting component is electrically coupled with a lighting circuitcontaining an over-voltage protection device.
 9. The lighted cabletermination assembly of claim 1, wherein the light emitting component iselectrically coupled with a lighting circuit containing a plurality ofresistive elements and at least one capacitive element that regulates acurrent presented to a rectification device.
 10. The lighted cabletermination assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a gasket positionedbetween the base component and the lens, the gasket formed from acorrosion-resistant material to form a substantially waterproof sealbetween the lens and base component.
 11. The lighted cable terminationassembly of claim 1, further comprising: a diffuser configured toincrease a viewing angle by diffusing a light transmitted therefrom,wherein the diffuser is configured as a plurality of prismatic elements.12. A lighted cable termination assembly, comprising: a base componenthaving a body defined by an upper portion and a lower portion; a lenshaving a proud surface and a pedestal configured to couple to the basecomponent, positioning the lens so that the proud surface extendsradially outside of a first perimeter of the base component; a lightemitting component optically coupled with the lens and powered by a heattrace cable; and a stand coupling to the base component and having asecond perimeter that is narrower than the first perimeter.
 13. Thelighted cable termination assembly of claim 12, wherein the proudsurface comprises a sidewall that, from a point outside of the firstperimeter of the base component, slopes upwardly and inwardly to anupper surface of the lens.
 14. The lighted cable termination assembly ofclaim 12, wherein an upper portion of the base component circumvents thepedestal of the lens.
 15. The lighted cable termination assembly ofclaim 12, wherein the base component is configured to couple with astand, the base component and the stand each including a respective tabthat contact one another when the base component is coupled to thestand.
 16. A lighted cable termination assembly, comprising: a basecomponent having a body defining an upper opening, a lower opening, andan internal area within the body, the lower opening configured to couplewith a stand; a lens having a proud surface and coupling to the basecomponent, wherein coupling the lens to the base component seals theinternal area of the base component, and decoupling the lens makes theinternal area accessible through the upper opening of the body; and alight emitting component optically coupled with the lens and powered bya heat tracing cable that is terminated within the base component. 17.The lighted cable termination assembly of claim 16, wherein a cable ispositioned within the base component and the cable is accessible withinthe base component when the lens is decoupled from the base component.18. The lighted cable termination assembly of claim 16, furthercomprising: a gasket formed from an elastomeric material and positionedbetween the base component and the lens.
 19. The lighted cabletermination assembly of claim 16, further comprising: a diffuserconfigured to increase a viewing angle by diffusing the lighttransmitted therefrom, wherein the diffuser is configured as a pluralityof prismatic elements.